The Golden Lions U18 team began its preparations for the Craven Week on a winning note, beating the Leopards 24-13 on Tuesday night.

While the victory was not as convincing as he might have hoped, Lions head coach Gollie Gouws told keo.co.za that he thinks not too much should be read into it, and that they are on the right track.

‘It was our first outing and we made seven changes during the game – giving everyone in the squad a run – so we never quite settled down,’ he said. ‘The Leopards, on the other hand, fielded a virtually all-white side, ahead of announcing their final team after the match. We played according to the Craven Week quota rules, and our depth is clearly satisfactory.’

The selectors have made a number of changes ahead of their second warm-up game, against the Valke in Alberton next Tuesday.

Monument flanker Tiaan McDonald, the son of former Springbok Ian McDonald is promoted from the B team, while Monument centre Michael Bean comes up from the Cs to replace the injured Helpmekaar centre, Sebastian van Heerden.